Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Ten black and white photographs of saguaro cactus arranged into two rows of five photographs each. Each photograph is 40" x 30", framed separately in stainless steel and held in place by a clear maple wood framework, built into the 10'x 14' entry wall niche.



Each year a Saguaro grows approximately one inch in height with a maximum height ranging from 15 to 50 feet. The largest plants, with more than 5 arms, are estimated to be 200 years old. In the desert these cacti are such a visual cliche that it is easy to overlook their legacy.

In the relatively young state of Arizona, these plants remind us of the rugged ecosystem on which the city was built. The Saguaro cacti represented in Desert Citizens stand to remind us of the world outside of the city concrete. In each image attention is given to the individual cactus such that it becomes a portrait of sorts, lending human characteristics to a plant.

The photographs are all taken from the same vantagepoint, giving the portraits a sense of uniformity. It is due to this equality that the unique characteristics of each cactus become so apparent, much like a group of individuals. Each one seems to have a tale to tell and while some look eager to share, others appear to be shy or reserved.

Placed in the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Desert Citizens greets many a passerby en route to other parts of the world. The sense of silence given by the images acts as a calming presence amidst the hustle of the airport. Overall, the artwork is a welcome sight for those visiting Arizona as well as a comfort to those returning home.

About the Artist
Mark Klett has been photographing the West since the early 1970’s. His images have been widely published and can be seen in museums around the world. Mark Klett is a Professor in the School of Art at Arizona State University in the photography department.